HR Advisor
The Watermill Theatre Closing date: Mon, 23 Nov 2026
- Part time
- £30k-£40k
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
The role will help ensure that people practices are legally compliant, consistently applied and aligned with the Watermill's values, mission and commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing. We employ around 40 permanent staff, many on part time contracts and have around another 40 casual staff.
For a full Job Description, please see our website -
https://www.watermill.org.uk/jobs/hr-advisor
Job Requirements
Essential Criteria:
Experience in a generalist HR advisory role, including employee relations casework and HR administration
Good working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
Ability to advise managers confidently and sensitively on policies, procedures and people issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including accurate documentation and report writing.
Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
High level of discretion, confidentiality and professionalism.
Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, wellbeing and respectful working cultures.
Desirable Criteria:
CIPD Level 5 qualification, working towards it, or equivalent relevant experience
Experience in a theatre, arts, cultural, charity or not-for-profit environment
Experience supporting casual, freelance, fixed-term or irregular-hours workforce.
Experience delivering HR training, briefings or manager coaching.
Job Responsibilities
HR Advice and Employee Relations:
Act as a first point of contact for HR queries, providing clear, pragmatic and confidential advice to managers and staff
Support managers with employee relations matters including conduct, capability, grievance, absence, performance, probation and flexible working requests
Coach managers to apply HR policies consistently, fairly and in line with current UK employment legislation
Maintain accurate, confidential HR records and employee files in accordance with UK GDPR and organisational retention requirements
Use HR systems and spreadsheets to record absence, training, recruitment, employee relations activity and workforce data
Prepare HR reports and people metrics for senior leaders, including turnover, absence, recruitment activity and training compliance
Help managers plan effectively around rehearsals, productions, performances, touring, seasonal peaks and irregular working patterns.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: HR Advisor
- Salary: £30k-£40k (pro-rata)
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Theatre
- Role: Human Resources
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Mon, 23 Nov 2026
-
Location:
| view on Google MapsSouth East
Job: HR Advisor
Job: HR Advisor
Organisation: The Watermill Theatre
Postcode: RG20 8AE
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to [email protected]
Applications will close at midday on 23 Nov 2026.
- Contact name: Carys Muirhead-Davies
- Contact email: [email protected]
About The Watermill Theatre
Working at the Watermill means being part of a uniquely creative and collaborative community.
Everyone who works with us, whether they’re on the staff team, a visiting creative, or one of our incredible volunteers, is vital to what we do and the impact we have both onstage and off.